Bladder Control

Tips for Managing Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms

 

Normally, our muscles and nerves work together in harmony to hold or release urine when we need to. When this symbiotic relationship gets interrupted due to an injury or illness, neurogenic bladder symptoms can develop. This can be caused by spinal cord injuries or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (50%-80% of those affected) or diabetes. Approximately 95% of people with spina bifida can suffer from a neurogenic bladder. Unfortunately, this condition has no cure. This nerve damage begs the question “How can I improve my neurogenic bladder?” Hopefully, I can give you some tips to help manage this disorder.

What Is a Neurogenic Bladder & the Symptoms?

Loss of bladder control due to damaged nerves as a result of a spinal cord, brain, or nerve injury, as well as illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or a stroke is known as a neurogenic bladder. This disorder can lead to embarrassing moments of incontinence, bladder or kidney infections, and a reluctance to be in social situations. Symptoms of a neurogenic bladder include:

• Leaking urine: Often occurring during the night when sleeping, this symptom can be mild with urinary incontinence occasionally but can be more severe in the case of total paralysis.
• Urinating frequently: Having to pass urine often (more than eight times a day) can be a sign of a neurogenic bladder.
• UTIs: The accumulation of bacteria, yeasts, or fungi in the urinary tract is common with an overactive/underactive bladder. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.
• Urine seeping/dribbling: The inability to empty your bladder at all can be a sign of an underactive bladder.

While these are common symptoms, each suffering from a neurogenic bladder can experience different symptoms depending upon where and what was injured. The symptoms can also appear to look like other conditions so be sure to consult your urologist.

Neurogenic Bladder Treatment

Since each case of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction is different, there are different treatments for each case. Of course, this depends on your injury and properly treating it can help avoid future kidney damage. To develop a proper plan for managing a neurogenic bladder, your doctor will take your medical history, symptom severity, and progression of underlying issues into consideration. Some treatment methods are:

• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding foods or drinks that irritate your bladder can be a good idea. Stay away from alcohol or caffeinated drinks and be sure to effectively manage your glucose levels to avoid diabetes.
• Catheterization: Your neurogenic bladder treatment plan can include catheters, either intermittent or indwelling. Intermittent catheters are inserted through your urethra to remove urine from your bladder when needed while indwelling catheters (Foley or suprapubic) are worn at all times. A suprapubic is inserted through the abdomen while the Foley catheter is through the urethra.
• Medications: Prescription medications can help with Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction. Drugs such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, or mirabegron can all help treat neurogenic bladder symptoms.
• Bladder training: You can try visiting the bathroom at scheduled times instead of when the urge hits. Establishing a routine can “train” your body and allow you to know when to void your bladder during times out in public.
• Surgery: Bladder augmentation or bladder cystoplasty is surgery where segments of your intestines are removed and attached to the walls of your bladder. This reduces the internal pressure in the bladder, increasing the ability to hold urine.
• Injections: Shots such as Botox can be used to treat your neurogenic bladder. Your doctor can inject botulinum, a toxin, into your bladder or urinary sphincters.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You can manage this condition but if complications arise you should immediately contact your physician or urologist. Complications can lead to damage to the kidney, incontinence, and bladder or kidney infections. If any symptoms worsen or are accompanied by a fever contact your doctor immediately.

References:

• Neurogenic Bladder Treatment - Urologists.org  
• Tips for Managing Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms - Medical Monks  
• What is a neurogenic bladder? - John Hopkins Medicine  
• Neurogenic Bladder - Cleveland Clinic  

 

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